At WJPC, our service team engages with thousands of customers every year, each bringing unique needs and concerns. Despite the variety of inquiries, we consistently receive similar questions from many customers.
To assist you on your custom card printing journey, we’ve compiled the top 10 questions we receive and provided thorough answers below. Hopefully this will help reduce your prepress worries!
Top 10 FAQs for Custom Card Printing
Q1: “Can I print a small batch of cards?“
A: While our standard minimum order quantity is 500 decks, we understand that some projects may require smaller runs. Therefore, we do allow card projects to be printed in quantities as low as 200. However, it’s important to note that printing smaller quantities will result in a higher cost per unit.
This is due to the fixed setup costs associated with the printing process, which are spread over fewer cards, thus increasing the overall cost per deck. For those needing a more cost-effective solution, we recommend considering larger quantities, which offer better economies of scale.
Q2: “Can we get a printed proof or sample of our artwork before going to print?“
A: Yes, you can buy various types of custom samples to ensure your satisfaction before full production. These include hard proofs, digital samples, and offset samples, each serving different purposes and providing different levels of detail and accuracy. Hard proofs are particularly useful for checking color fidelity and paper quality, while digital samples give a quick, low-cost preview of the design.
We also provide non-custom samples from previous orders at no charge, allowing you to experience different materials and finishes without exceeding your budget. These samples can help you understand the tactile and visual qualities of our products, aiding in making an informed decision.
For more information about proof and sample, please see: Custom Samples Types
Q3: “How long does it take you to produce? When will my order arrive?“
A: Usually, it takes us 15–35 days to produce, but if the entire factory has numerous orders, our production cycle will be extended accordingly. Please consult your sales consultant for details.
As for the shipping time, it depends on the transportation method you choose. Usually, the turnaround time for express delivery is about 7–10 days, while sea transportation is 1–2 months.
Q4: “Why do I need to add bleed?“
A: Adding bleed is crucial in the printing process to prevent unintentional white edges after cutting. The bleed area extends beyond the final trim size, allowing for minor variations in the cutting process. Without sufficient bleed, even a slight shift in cutting could result in a noticeable white margin, detracting from the overall appearance of the card.
Therefore, we recommend a minimum bleed of 1/8″ (3mm) around all edges of the design. Proper bleed ensures that the design extends fully to the edges of the card, maintaining a polished and professional look.
Check “Design Creation” to see more design requirement.
Q5: “What is the best paper to print on?“
A: The ideal paper choice depends on several factors, including the intended use of the cards, the target audience, and budget considerations. We offer a wide variety of papers, from standard card stock to premium options with different textures and finishes.
For instance, matte finishes are often preferred for their subtle, non-reflective quality, making them suitable for sophisticated and elegant designs. In contrast, glossy finishes can enhance vibrant colors and make images pop, which is ideal for promotional materials or visually dynamic designs.
Our team is always ready to discuss your specific needs and provide personalized recommendations. We can also send a sample pack for a firsthand experience of the various paper options, helping you choose the best fit for your project.
More options at:
Q6: “Can we print using Pantone colors or in RGB?“
A: Our standard printing process uses CMYK, a color model comprising cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. This four-color process is ideal for achieving a wide range of colors in print.
Pantone colors, also known as spot colors, are premixed inks that provide precise color matching. We allow use specific Pantone colors to print your card decks, but they can significantly increase the cost, especially for designs with multiple colors.
RGB, used for digital screens, does not translate directly to print, as the colors can shift during conversion to CMYK. Bright neon shades and certain blues, in particular, may appear less vibrant in print. To avoid unexpected color changes, it’s best to design in CMYK from the start or manually adjust colors after conversion. Our team can assist in ensuring that your design maintains its intended look in print.
Q7: “Why did my artwork slightly shift when printed?“
A: During the production process, slight shifts in artwork alignment can occur, typically up to 1/16″ (1.5mm). This is a standard tolerance within the printing industry due to the mechanical nature of printing and cutting machines.
To accommodate this, our templates include safety lines and require adequate bleed, ensuring that any minor shifts do not affect the final product’s quality. It’s essential to keep critical design elements, like text or borders, within the safe area to avoid them being cut off. Understanding these tolerances helps manage expectations and ensures a professional finish.
Q8: “Even though the file isn‘t set up properly, can we just print as-is?“
A: We strongly advise against printing files that are not set up according to our guidelines. Incorrectly prepared files can lead to issues such as improper alignment, color discrepancies, or missing elements.
Our production team will likely flag such files, causing delays and potentially leading to unsatisfactory results if printed as-is. We do not offer reprints for errors resulting from incorrect file setup.
To avoid these issues, we provide detailed specifications for file preparation and our customer service team is available to assist with any questions. If needed, our design team can offer services to adjust and optimize your files, ensuring they meet all requirements for high-quality printing.
Q9: “What types of design files do you accept?“
A: We accept a range of file formats, including PDF, AI (Adobe Illustrator), PSD (Photoshop), PNG, JPEG, TIFF, and BMP. Among these, PSD files are preferred for their flexibility and ease of editing, especially when working with layered images.
For the best print quality, we require all flat image files, such as JPEGs or PNGs, to have a minimum resolution of 300 DPI. This ensures sharp, clear images without pixelation. It’s crucial to follow these file specifications to achieve the best possible print results and avoid potential issues during the production process.
Q10: “Can we expedite this job?“
A: While we offer expedited production for some products, most require a standard amount of time to ensure quality, particularly concerning ink drying and material processing. Rushing these processes can compromise the final product, resulting in issues such as smudging or inadequate finish quality.
However, expedited shipping options are available to reduce delivery times once production is complete. It’s best to discuss specific timing needs with your sales consultant to determine the most efficient and effective options for your project.
Custom Card Printing Conclusion
Have more questions? WJPC has answers. Our customer service staff is dedicated to providing exceptional support and ensuring your custom cards meet the highest standards. Whether you have additional queries or need guidance, we’re here to assist. Feel free to email us or start a chat on WhatsApp for personalized assistance!